You have to check out SQPN!

Take a moment to check this out to get connected with great podcasts and shows! Lisa Hendey's "Catholic Moments" is listed here too! There's a Catholic TV show here called "This is the Day" which I will be profiled on in June. There's so much here, check it out!

How Mulieris Dignitatem is affecting our world

I was recently interviewed by Susan Brinkmann, OCDS for her "Breaking News" section at "Women of Grace" about the International Congress I attended recently in Rome.

She begins her article, "Twenty years have passed since Pope John Paul II introduced the world to a whole new version of the feminine mystique. In the apostolic letter entitled Mulieris Dignitatem, (On the Dignity and Vocation of Women) issued on August 15, 1988, he made it quite clear that “man and woman are human beings to an equal degree”; distinct, and yet at the same time, “they complete and explain each other...” (Please see entire article continued here.)

Genevieve Kineke's article in Catholic Exchange

In case you haven't had a chance to see Genevieve Kineke's article the other day at Catholic Exchange, here it is. Genevieve eloquently recounts the experience we shared at the International Congress in Rome celebrating twenty years since the Apostolic Letter Mulieris Dignitatem was penned by our dear and late holy father, Pope John Paul the Great!

"If we had held a congress on Mulieris Dignitatem twenty years ago, it would have unfolded very differently." Cardinal Rylko, President of the Pontifical Council, for the Laity made this statement at the outset of his final remarks, bringing to a close a three day International Congress which focused on John Paul II's remarkable 1988 document "On the Dignity and Vocation of Women."

Women in the conference hall, nourished throughout by a wealth of inspired presentations, nodded in agreement. They had enjoyed hearing the sublime truth of God's creation of male and female considered from a variety of angles, through the lenses of anthropology, sociology, politics, theology, history, biology, philosophy and personal experience. Each dimension underscored the beautiful truth: "God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them" (Genesis 1:27).

While some could recognize the tremendous insights of Karol Wojtyla long ago, when he first offered his thoughts on the feminine vocation, most have needed the ensuing years to take them to heart, to pray over them, and to apply them to various fields of inquiry. The time has been well-spent..." (Continued here at Catholic Exchange)

I launched a new blog yesterday - "Moments of Inspiration from Your Favorite Saints"

A new blog was born yesterday, "Moments of Inspiration From Your Favorite Saints." Go on over and have a look.

"Behold Your Mother" a new blog and a new book by Heidi Hess Saxton!

BEHOLD YOUR MOTHER

Heidi Hess Saxton has announced a new blog! She said, "Dear Friends: As I've been gearing up to start promoting Behold Your Mother in earnest, I realized that I need to become more intentional about how and when I do my other writing. To that end, I've decided to discontinue "Streams of Mercy" for a time ... and begin a new blog that is dedicated to all things Mary."

Check out Heidi's blog Behold Your Mother: A Bouquet of Love to Mary from Her Children and also read about Heidi's new book coming very soon!

Mary De Turris Poust shares this for Lent...

Mary De Turris Poust, a Catholic Mom, author and a contributing editor for Our Sunday Visitor newspaper recently wrote an article about Lenten family traditions in which she offers us some ideas and resources for Lent.

She said on her blog, Not Strictly Spiritual, "I recently wrote an article on Lenten family traditions for Our Sunday Visitor, a national Catholic news weekly for whom I am a contributing editor. I thought some of you might like to hear what other people are doing to celebrate this special season. Some families go the whole nine yards, giving up TV for the entire season of Lent. Whoa! We are nowhere near that level of holiness at our house. Give up watching Lost? But I waited so patiently for new episodes to begin -- almost simultaneously with Lent. Bad timing. Anyway, here’s the article with some great ideas from some really cool people and a few links to other Lenten resources as well."

I feel very honored to have been mentioned in Mary's article, 'Making Lent More Meaningful."


Read her article by clicking here.

The Reviews are coming in...

Catholic Saints Prayer Book
by Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle
Our Sunday Visitor, 80 pages

The Church’s hagiography has inspired whole libraries of books, the best of which paint a distinctive portrait of one or more of our beloved spiritual mothers and fathers. We love to hear and tell these stories over and over, for these stories provide our only real connection in this life with our spiritual forebears, our only opportunity to know them as we would like.

The Catholic Saints Prayer Book reminds us of another important reason to ruminate on the lives of the saints. This reason is perhaps best summed up in the words of Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta, the spiritual mother of the author of this charming little book: “The Church of God needs saints today. This imposes a great responsibility on us. We must become holy not because we want to feel holy, but because Christ must be able to live His life fully in us” (p.10).

Each of the thirty-two saints contained in this book remind us that the pathway to holiness is not easily traversed. It is a way of suffering. Of grief. Of struggle against our basest impulses. In the words of St. Ignatius of Loyola, “There is no better wood to kindle the fire of holy love than the wood of the cross.”

Above all, it is a way of prayer. And for this, the Catholic Saints Prayer Book provides a simple yet eloquent resource for those who want to grow closer to our heavenly family. Each chapter includes a list of patronages, brief biography, and closing prayer to lead you gently yet deeply into that “blessed communion, fellowship divine.” Delicate illustrations are scattered throughout, making this a wonderful gift for birthdays, Mother’s Day … or simply for your own prayer corner.

Heidi Hess Saxton
Editor, “Canticle” Magazine
Author, Behold Your Mother: Mary Stories and Reflections from a Catholic Convert

***

In a time of profound confusion and chaos, the books of Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle provide meaning, inspiration and direction for all those who are seeking the truth in these troubled times. The Second Vatican Council reminded the Church that we are all called to holiness. This book will help us attain our goal.

Fr. James Farfaglia, Pastor
St. Helena of the True Cross of Jesus Catholic Church
Corpus Christi, Texas

Cardinal Rylko, President of The Pontifical Council for the Laity

UPDATED WITH NEW INFORMATION ABOUT ARTICLES

Here's a photo of me giving Cardinal Rylko who is the President of the Pontifical Council for the Laity copies of my books at the Vatican just after we had our audience with Pope Benedict. Teresa Tomeo is looking on and Colleen Carroll Campbell is there in red. Colleen had given Cardinal Rylko a copy of her book as well. It was such an honor to meet Cardinal Rylko. We all expressed our gratefulness to him for the International Congress.

I have an article coming out in the online edition of Lay Witness magazine which may be published soon. I'll keep you posted on that and offer a link. It's an article they have asked me to write about the experience at the International Congress. I know I have been kind of quiet since I have returned. There has been a lot of busyness with family as well as several interviews with the media about my experience at the Vatican. I also have to go to physical therapy with my daughter on a regular basis because of the car accident we were in just a week before the trip.

So, even though I am unable to write much in my blog posts because of the injuries from the accident, you will get a snap shot of the experience when you read the Lay Witness article. I also have an article coming up in Canticle magazine which will be closer to the anniversary date of Mulieris Dignitatem.

Also, check out the Our Sunday Visitor newspaper or try to get this week's issue online to read two awesome pieces by Teresa Tomeo about the Congress. Genevieve Kineke has an article in Catholic World Report (Feb. issue) and Inside the Vatican (next issue), Catholic Exchange (Feb 25th) and she also has regular columns available for syndication.

A few more photos

Check out a few of my photos from my Vatican trip!

Yesterday's segment with Teresa Tomeo discussing our Vatican trip

Here is the link to listen to Teresa Tomeo of "Catholic Connection" on Ave Maria Radio and I discussing our Vatican trip as delegates of North America on the air yesterday morning. Just click here to listen from your computer.

My interview on the Vatican Insider with Joan Lewis

UPDATED with new link: You'll be able to hear my interview with Joan Lewis the EWTN News Bureau Chief by clicking here then scroll down to the photo of Joan Lewis, Vatican Insider on the bottom left and then click on "MP3" to hear the recent interview with me at the Vatican Congress. Joan begins the segment with some Vatican news, a question and answer segment and later converses with me. Joan is a very gracious, lovely and faith-filled woman that I was completely drawn to and I plan to stay in touch with her.

A great spot to check for breaking news - check it out!

I'd love to draw your attention to a great news spot to check out. Susan Brinkmann has put together a spot at the "Living His Life Abundantly" website where you can read the news that Susan calls "the whole story - news that you won't find in the major media." Check it out each day by clicking here. Look for the little purple box in the top right hand corner and click on that. Susan will also be presenting a news article very soon about the Vatican congress I just returned from.

Discussing the Vatican trip with Teresa Tomeo AND...

Hi, Everyone,

Tomorrow morning (Monday) at about 9:05 AM Eastern Standard Time, Teresa Tomeo, host of "Catholic Connection" and I will be discussing our very recent Vatican trip to the International Women's Congress in celebration of twenty years after Pope John Paul II penned Mulieris Dignitatem. I hope you can tune in at Ave Maria Radio. Just go here and then click the "listen live" button and be ready about 9:00 AM. This will be an informative segment sprinkled with some humor! :) Feel free to call in to the show if you have an opportunity. The phone number will be announced on the show.

I hope you'll join Teresa Tomeo and me tomorrow morning to learn more about this celebration. Feel free to tune into "Catholic Connection" at Ave Maria Radio and perhaps call in to the show or comment here to this post with any questions or comments.


Also, this afternoon at 4:30 PM Eastern Standard Time my interview with Joan Lewis, the EWTN Vatican Bureau Chief will air again if you missed it yesterday. Just go here and then click the "listen live" which is on the top at the right.

It will also be archived some time during the week and I will link it to my blogs.

Have a BLESSED Day!

News from Rome

Happy Saturday!

If you didn't catch my interview on Vatican Radio this morning with Joan Lewis, you can listen in tomorrow at 4:30 PM Eastern Standard Time. Just go here and then click the "listen live" which is on the top at the right.

I hope to get a chance to tell you about my experience in Rome and at the Vatican soon. I have to get some articles written and also fight off the jet lag and problems from the car accident. I'll at least post photos in the mean time.

Additionally, you should click on the "Dignity of Women" button in the right hand column of this blog and view the new information. There's even a little film clip of the congress.

Have a BLESSED day!


PS You can go into the archives after Monday or Tuesday to hear the segment with Joan by going here in the archives.

My interview on Vatican Radio

Hello Everyone,

I just heard from Joan Lewis, EWTN's Rome Bureau Chief who tells me that my interview with her will air tomorrow and Sunday. Here are the details:

Interview will air this weekend on EWTN. You can hear on your computer by going to www.ewtn.com, then click on RADIO, then click on LISTEN LIVE. Do this at either 9:30 a.m. Saturday (East coast time) or 4:30 p.m. Sunday (ET). Should you miss those, you can hear it in the archives the next week - starting Monday or Tuesday. Here is a link to Vatican Insider archives: http://www.ewtn.com/vondemand/audio/seriessearchprog.asp?seriesID=7096&T1=

I had the pleasure and privilege of meeting Joan this past week while in Rome and while participating in the International Congress for Women which celebrated the twentieth year since Mulieris Dignitatem was penned by our late and dear Holy Father Pope John Paul II.

When Joan interviewed me I was pretty sleep deprived! I had had three sleepless nights prior to that interview - the first being the night flight over (I can't sleep well on planes and the injuries from the car accident prevented sleep) and the next two nights - same problem with pain and also a lot of traffic that passed my hotel/apartment window throughout the night. So, we will see how coherent I sound on this interview. But, I have to say that it was a sincere pleasure to meet and spend time with Joan while in Rome. She is one in a million with her graciousness and hospitality!

At the International Women's Congress

That's me in the back wearing the neck brace.

Visiting St.Peter's Square as soon as I got to Rome!

I'm back!

Hello Everyone!

I'm back from Rome. We arrived late last night. After a nine hour flight, the two hour trip from the NY airport to get home turned into a five hour trip since we were right in the middle of a snow and ice storm! Needless to say, I am both exhausted and overwhelmed with God's grace. I am very thankful that God is so good and kept us safe!

I will be back to you soon with some news and photos. I have to give an out of town talk tomorrow and must focus on that.

Thank you for all of your generous prayers! I am very thankful. I prayed for all of you and all of your intentions while I was there in the Eternal City! I have so much to share with all of you!

God be with all of you!

Thank you for your prayers...leaving for Rome!

Thank you everyone for your prayers! We'll be leaving tomorrow (Monday) evening on a flight to Rome to attend the International Congress for Women! I so very much appreciate all of your prayers for a speedy recovery for my daughter and for me and for safety for our trip.

God bless you all!
I hope to bring back a lot of photos and a lot of grace and blessings to be shared!

Sorry that I can't blog!

Hello Everyone,

Just a quick note to let you know that I am sorry but I won't be able to blog for a while. There is just too much pain and discomfort in my head and neck due to the car accident. If you can spare a few prayers for my daughter and me for a speedy recovery and safety for the upcoming trip, we will greatly appreciate it.

Thank you so very much!
God bless you all!

International Women's Congress in Rome

Vatican Congress to Mark "Mulieris Dignitatem" at 20

Laity-Council to Host Reflection on Women

By Miriam Díez i Bosch

ROME, JAN. 31, 2008 (Zenit.org).- A Vatican congress commemorating the 20th anniversary of Pope John Paul II's apostolic letter on the dignity of women aims to promote an authentic promotion of femininity.

Rocío Figueroa, director of the section on women for the Pontifical Council of the Laity, affirmed this to ZENIT. The congress, marking the 20th anniversary of "Mulieris Dignitatem," is titled "Woman and Man, the 'Humanum' in Its Entirety" and is scheduled for Feb. 7-9 in Rome.

Figueroa said the authentic promotion of the woman will come through "understanding the feminine beginning with an anthropology that recovers the value of the person and highlights the relationality between feminine and masculine."

The congress will consider themes raging from the history of women in the Church, beginning with Christ's interactions with women, to gender ideology, to the importance of marriage, family and motherhood. Participants will have an audience with Benedict XVI on Feb. 9.

The congress will analyze "the contributions particular women have given the Church and the world," as well as "the contribution of Christianity in the advancement of woman," added Figueroa.

The theological and anthropological contribution which John Paul II made in "Mulieris Dignitatem" will be developed in two conferences. The first is dedicated to the story of creation and the relationship between person, nature and culture. The second seeks to delve into the relationship between man and woman, titled "Woman and Man, Created Each for the Other."

Janne Haaland Matlary, former minister of foreign relations in Norway and professor at the University of Oslo, will reflect on women in the workplace.

Helen Alvare, a professor at the Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law, will consider the reduction of femininity to an object of consumerism.

Figuero affirmed the congress is just the "beginning of future initiatives which the Pontifical Council for the Laity desires to promote. We are sure that from the workshops and these intense days of reflection, ideas will sprout up, initiatives that respond to the demands of women in different places. And why not think that in the future, a congress with virtual participation."